Brother Moth
Common NameBrother Moth
Scientific NameRaphia frater
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPantheinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsPopulus, Salix, Betula
Flight PeriodMay to August (two broods in southern parts of its range)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes and often have a humped appearance, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey and white forewings with prominent, dark-ringed reniform and orbicular spots. The overall 'hairy' appearance and cryptic coloration are also key features.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and white forewings, featuring distinct black-ringed reniform and orbicular spots, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
